I’ve been made fun of for a lot of things in my life.
This isn’t a sob story – I mean, obviously it has made me who I am today. Character and all that.
But, it is probably the reason why when my kids make fun of me …
I don’t really care.
I mean, so what if I talk to strangers when we are out?
Even the ones who are in the golf cart behind me as I try to figure out what I’m supposed to do if the parking lot ahead of me is full, and I don’t really know where to go in our golf cart at the moment.
“Sorry!” I yelled from my golf cart to theirs.
“It’s my first time! Here and in one of these things! And I’m not sure where to go next!
They yelled back to me, assuring me they were in the same boat (or cart, I guess) as me.
It felt like a friendly interaction, but boy oh boy were the kids annoyed. One of them claims that my speaking to strangers is damaging to them.
I think maybe since they don’t get made fun of as much as I did as a kid, I owe some embarrassment to them to help build their character…
I am glad they had already gone down to the beach though, when I was finally parking. I thought there was a spot, but it was a handicap spot. Just as I was figuring out how to turn the golf cart around, a man walked by and said, “I’m about to take my cart out of this spot if you are looking for a spot!”
And what did I say? Nothing crazy. It was a perfectly normal response.
I said, “Oh my god. I love you. Thank you.”
He was fine with it, laughed and said “You’re welcome.”
But the kids? they would have been devastated to hear me proclaim my love to the stranger who gave me his parking spot. It might have ruined this vacation I’ve taken them on.
On a Thought 
Kind strangers give me some hope for the world. Score on the parking spot, one day the kids will understand. Happy break to you!
Yes! They give me hope too.
Embarrassment is part of the other duties as assigned job description of being a parent. Well done!
I love it – not even vulnerable but just honest- that seems like a great lesson to impart. My father used to chat up with strangers and friends alike when we went out and I for sure emulate that now.
I love strangers who speak to me!
Such a fun slice
Love your comment at the end! What they don’t know won’t hurt them 😏 have sooooo much fun!!
I felt this through and through. Though my babe isn’t embarrassed by me just yet, I know one day that will come. You are unapologetically you and I want to be you when I grow up!
Lol. I do the same thing. But it has rubbed off on my daughter. She talks to strangers too. One thing I love is that she complements them. Their nails, their outfit. Their hair. It’s so sweet. I do it too. You keep talking to those strangers!